Here’s everything you need to know about the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party between Georgia and Florida this afternoon on CBS.
When: Today
Where: Jacksonville, Fla.
Game Time: 3:30 p.m. EST
TV: CBS
Current Line: Georgia (-11)
Game Buzz: One of the SEC’s nastiest rivalries is renewed today in Jacksonville, a matchup that was projected to have division title implications before the season … Just inside the top 10, Georgia’s still very much in contention for a College Football Playoff berth while the Gators are in the middle of a tailspin coming off their worst since in 34 years … Florida coach Will Muschamp’s hoping to cool his hot seat with a win, but a loss would further damage his job status and future in Gainesville.
Saturday Down South previews
- Florida vs. Georgia Game Trailer
- Could Saturday be Hutson Mason’s Cocktail Party?
- Night and day: Pruitt turns around Georgia’s defense
- How does Todd Gurley’s suspension affect Florida?
- 5 keys to a Florida upset over Georgia
FLORIDA GATORS
Players to watch:
- QB Treon Harris
- RB Matt Jones
- WR Demarcus Robinson
- DE Dante Fowler
- CB Vernon Hargreaves
- ATH Andre Debose
Keys for Florida:
- Get Brandon Powell the football. He’s easily one of the best playmakers on the offense, yet he wasn’t involved much against Missouri until the game was already decided. He needs the football in his hands more today to help keep UGA’s defense on its toes.
- Force UGA into passing situations. Nick Chubb is a known commodity at this point and he’s dominated opposing defenses in his two starts so far this season. The Gators’ defense will put itself in the best position if it can limit Chubb’s first and second down yardage and force quarterback Hutson Mason to pass the football. He doesn’t have the best arm strength, so the UF defensive backs would likely have opportunities to make plays on the football throughout the afternoon.
- Show some energy. The Gators have been virtually lifeless this season. They desperately need some life and energy and what better game to do that than at The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party? It’ll be a raucous environment in Jacksonville, Fla., today and it’s a great opportunity to bring some excitement back to this team.
Glaring weakness to watch: Explosive plays. The Gators haven’t provided much excitement on offense this season with just 64 plays of 10 yards or more (last in the SEC). With a new starting quarterback in Treon Harris, he’s a guy that can extend plays with his legs, so perhaps that’s an area where the UF offense can see an improvement this afternoon. They’ll need big plays if they want to keep pace with UGA.
Most interesting part of the game: Treon Harris. The true freshman is making his first collegiate start today in a very loud and passionate environment. It’s easily Florida’s biggest game of the season as the Gators’ SEC East title chances and likely the fate of their head coach ride on if they can win today. It’s a lot of pressure on a young quarterback, so how he handles it all will be something to watch.
Team buzz: Everything is at stake for the Gators today. Will Muschamp’s job is on the line and another loss may be too much for the fourth-year head coach to overcome. Will today finally be the day Florida shows some life this season?
No. 9 GEORGIA BULLDOGS
Players To Watch:
- QB Hutson Mason
- RB Nick Chubb
- WR Malcolm Mitchell
- TE Jeb Blazevich
- OL John Theus
- OL Kolton Houston
- LB Leonard Floyd
- LB Jordan Jenkins
- CB Damian Swann
- LB Amarlo Herrera
Keys For Georgia:
- Pressure Treon Harris and take him out of his comfort zone. Florida’s true freshman quarterback is making his first start against a defense intent on making his life miserable in and out of the pocket. Georgia ranks in the SEC’s Top 5 in nearly every defensive category, including turnover margin (plus-13). An early takeaway against Harris would rattle his confidence and make the rest of his outing that much more worrisome.
- Establish dominance at the line of scrimmage. Georgia’s at its best when controlling the line of scrimmage and maintaining a run-geared focus offensively. Expecting a physical fight in the trenches, this is the kind of game where Nick Chubb could get 25-30 carries and third-down conversions decide the outcome. If the Bulldogs can take away Florida’s running game, it’ll be along day offensively for Muschamp and staff.
- Wrap up in the return game. In a game like this, a big play on special teams swings momentum and the Gators have the ultimate weapon in Andre Debose. The senior speedster has five return touchdowns (four kickoffs and a punt) in his career, third-most all-time in the SEC.
Most interesting part of the game: Chubb’s chances at continuing his hot streak on the ground as Todd Gurley’s primary replacement in the backfield. Since assuming the starting role at Mizzou on Oct. 11, Chubb’s arguably been the SEC’s best offensive player, rushing for 345 yards and three touchdowns on an incredible 68 carries.
Team buzz: As the SEC East’s only team within striking distance of a Playoff berth, this one’s a must-win for the Bulldogs if they want to continue playing meaningful games — notably Auburn next weekend — down the stretch.
